Berri says south wants army presence, calls on Israel to leave Lebanon

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri supported Thursday the army statement about completing the first phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah, south of the Litani river.

Berri said the South has proven that it's "thirsty for the army's presence" and called on Israel to "leave our land and sky".

He said the army's achievements are only incomplete because of Israel’s occupation and its daily violations.

The army had said it now controls the area in Lebanon south of the Litani River "with the exception of territory and positions still occupied by Israel" near the border.

Despite a ceasefire reached last year, stipulating that Israel must withdraw from Lebanese territory, Israel continues to occupy five "strategic" points near the border and to carry out almost daily attacks on Lebanon.

President Joseph Aoun also backed Thursday the army's statement, calling on Israel to stop its attacks, withdraw from areas it occupies, and release Lebanese prisoners.